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MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA strategic plans and recognize the best the State can offer in that regard. “That’s not open to everyone. Your company must have a higher standard–be involved in the industry, in the community, with the Associ- ation. And you’ve shown that you’ve made those contributions back to the industry and want to develop yourself strategically to move forward. That’s a checklist item in our awards program that we’ve done for the past decade.” BVM: What major changes are anticipated for the Association? Bowen: “We’re rebranding our awards pro- gram and taking it to the next level.We typi- cally invite our winners to our Fall Summit and recognize them there at one joint ceremony. But pulling them out of their facilities is not always feasible, especially with smaller companies, so this year we’re having a day of celebration at their own facility, so all their team members can be involved in the process.We want to recog- nize each employee and invite its customers in to celebrate locally with the community.We’re very excited to make it about the company and all the changes they’ve accomplished.” BVM: How will MAF continue to be a viable voice for its members in the next decade? Bowen: “In the coming decade, there are a lot of changes coming for the in- dustry regarding technology and the workforce. Manufacturing is a buzz word right now, especially in Florida. There are a lot of new businesses coming out –new resources and support for the industry because it’s in the spot- light. “That’s great, but it’s also im- portant to look at the long haul. What’s the sustainability of us as an Association, and all those businesses popping up because it’s trendy to be in manufactur- ing? And businesses that have been here 30 or 40 years - their employees are retiring and their company isn’t up to date with robotics automation, I of T, and Smart Manufacturing.What’s going to happen to them in the next five to ten years? “Last year, we had the big victory we’ve been fight- ing several years for, with the permanent elimination of sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equip- ment. Every other State was already offering this exemption. It’s our strong strategic partnerships that continue to make us a leader in advocacy.We have a history with legislative policy makers in Florida that’s shown a positive track record in making the State economy much more sustainable for the industry and our members to thrive in. It’s all based on our mem- bers. Everything we do, we evaluate from them.”